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Is Your Child Properly Restrained? Are You Willing to Bet Their Life on It?

Parents have the very serious job of ensuring that their children are happy, healthy and safe. We do everything we can to make sure they have the best toys, medical services and car seats. But if you are involved in a Philadelphia car wreck with your child, you may feel as though you have failed at keeping them protected from harm.

Sometimes auto accidents are inevitable; therefore, you should do everything you can to ensure your child is as protected as possible. One of the most important things a parent can do is not to buy the most expensive car seat, but to make sure that the seat you choose is appropriate for your child’s age and weight and is installed correctly.

Ensure Your Child Is as Safe as Possible

New Jersey states that children seven years and younger and less than 80 pounds must be secured in a child safety or booster seat in the rear of the vehicle. Pennsylvania law states that children under three must be restrained in a child restraint system, and children ages four to seven must be in a booster seat, but does not include a rear seating preference.

Both of these laws are much too vague and lenient and fail to provide the amount of protection that is necessary to keep a child safe in a Pennsylvania or New Jersey car crash. The Bucks County accident attorneys at Saile & Saile suggest that all parents follow the child safety guidelines which have been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Infants – Infants need to be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint until they are at least one-years-old and 20 pounds. After this point, it is permissible to allow babies to be restrained in a front-facing child restraint. Children should always ride in the back seat, as this is the safest place for them; however, if this is not possible, remember to NEVER place a rear-facing child restraint in a seat that is equipped with an airbag.

• Toddlers – The CDC suggests that toddlers remain in a front facing child restraint until they are at least four-years-old or 40 pounds. This is the minimum age and weight limit, but keep in mind that as long as your child falls within the age, height and weight limits of your car seat, it is safest to keep them in a five-point harness restraint for as long as possible.

• Preschoolers – Young children may ride in a booster seat when they are at least four-years-old or 40 pounds and should continue to ride in a booster seat until they are at least eight years of age or 4’9” tall. They should not discontinue using a booster seat until their legs are long enough to bend at the edge of the seat and the lap and shoulder belts fit properly.

• Older children – It is suggested that all children ages 12 and under sit in the back seat of the car, regardless of their height or weight. Studies have also shown that riding in the back seat can reduce the risk of serious injuries in a car crash by 40% in children less than 16 years old; therefore, whenever possible, children should always ride in the back seat.

To ensure your child restraint is suitable and installed correctly, visit a free inspection station near you.

If your child has been injured in a serious New Jersey or Pennsylvania car crash, contact a Philadelphia car crash lawyer at Saile & Saile today. We will be an advocate on your child’s behalf and will fight to protect your child’s rights after a Pennsylvania auto accident.

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